Over the past two decades, a number of small studies and case reports have suggested that calcium channel blockers (e.g. nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem) may be beneficial in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia (Suddath et al. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1991; 39: 743-745; Duncan et al. J Clin Psychopharmacol 1990; 10: 414-416).
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AMPA blockade in epilepsy: update on perampanel trials
January 11, 2012REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN EPILEPSY SOCIETY 65TH ANNUAL MEETING, BALTIMORE, MD, DECEMBER 2-6, 2011 – Perampanel (E2007) is a selective AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid)-type glutamate receptor antagonist that is currently in late-phase development for the treatment of refractory partial-onset seizures.
Targeting IL-1b in epilepsy: VX-765
January 11, 2012REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN EPILEPSY SOCIETY 65TH ANNUAL MEETING, BALTIMORE, MD, DECEMBER 2-6, 2011 – Animals studies have suggested that inflammation is a pathogenic factor in epilepsy, notably through the induction of caspase-1 and interleukin(IL)-1beta (Maroso et al. Neurotherapeutics 2011; 8: 304-315).
VX-765 is a small-molecule inhibitor of caspase-1 currently undergoing phase II testing in refractory partial-onset seizures.
Sudden unexpected death with lamotrigine: risk estimate
January 11, 2012REPORT FROM THE AMERICAN EPILEPSY SOCIETY 65TH ANNUAL MEETING, BALTIMORE, MD, DECEMBER 2-6, 2011 – A Norwegian study estimates that the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is 2.5 per 1000 patient-years in female patients receiving lamotrigine compared to 0.5 per 1000 patient-years in women not on lamotrigine (Aurlien et al. AES 2011; abstract 3.205).